Sample Service For Thanksgiving

Minister:
Let us all thank God that in his goodness he has given John to you

All:
God our Father
Maker of all that is living
We praise you for the wonder and joy of creation
We thank you from our hearts for John and for the privileges of parenthood
Accept our thanks and praise Amen

Parents say together:
God our Father, in giving John to us you have shown us your love.
Help us to be trustworthy parents.
Make us patient and understanding
so that he may always be sure of our love
and grow up to be happy and responsible through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Minister reads Gospel (Mk 10.13-16) and hands to Parents
Take this book.
For it contains the Good News of God's love for us all.
Be sure you read it;
for it tells you how you and your family become members of God's family.
That way you will have the best thing of all
eternal life through Jesus Christ, God's Son.

Minister to Congregation
Jesus taught us to call God our Father and so trusting in his word we say:

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.

Minister takes Child and says:
Almighty God, we now bring John before you
We know you love him. Look with favour on him, we pray.
May his home be a place of love security and truthfulness.
And may he grow up to come to a full understanding of the Christian faith.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

May God's blessing rest on you John
This day and through all your life

Minister returns Child to Parents and says: Heavenly Father
your son Jesus Christ shared at Nazareth the life of an earthly home;
Bless this child’s home and help all the family to live together in your love.
Teach them to serve you and each other
and make them always ready to show your love to those in need
for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Father in Heaven, bless [Names of Parents]
that they may cherish their children;
Make them wise and understanding to help the children as they grow.
Surround this family with the light of your truth
and the warmth of your love
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

With Congregation

Almighty God our heavenly father
we thank you for the joys of family life
May we all know your presence and peace in our homes
Fill them with your love
and use them for your glory. Amen